Joekenneth's Spring Wine Guide
"I took my time curating this list and trying various wines from Robert Mondavi Winery, ultimately landing on these four as my seasonal favorites. The reds have beautiful depth for those springtime evenings, and the selection of whites really taste like summer in a bottle." - Joekenneth Museau
2019 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Spring is in full bloom and I tend to crave white wine during the warmer seasons. Preferably served chilled, this 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is light and refreshing with fruit and floral notes which present on the palate making it a joy to drink.
I’d pair this wine with seafood dishes like oysters, branzino, or fish tacos. In general, I eat lighter meals during the spring/summer season therefore I could see myself sipping this wine even with a light snack like a medley of mixed greens and goat cheese. For the taste and the value, it’s worth snagging two (or more) bottles at a time.
2019 The Estates Red Blend Oakville
As someone who likes a wine with a long finish, I was immediately drawn to the 2019 Estates Red Blend. On the nose, you’ll discover the distinct scent of blackberry and toasted almond. Similar berry and nutty flavors are experienced on the palate. It’s a blend that I think would appeal to more seasoned wine-drinkers.
During brunch with my friends, Cam & Chantel, we sipped the wine while enjoying the fare from the charcuterie board we prepared. The wine paired really well with lightly salted grain crackers and smoked cheeses.Grab a bottle for guests who love a bold red.
2019 To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
I call this bottle the “crowd favorite.” I’ve brought it to a number of gatherings and everyone says that this wine is the one. I adore it for the full-bodied experience that it curates from nose to palate. What impresses me the most is how balanced the flavors are. You get the richness of the dark fruit and a touch of spice that makes for a dazzling finish.
I recall enjoying this wine with my sister and her partner, who had prepared a ribeye and tomahawk steak for dinner — he’s quite the chef, by the way. I truly believe that the flavors present in the wine and the meat were enhanced by one another with every bite and sip. If I had one choice for a Cab, this is it. The pièce de résistance!
2019 Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
*Club Exclusive*
The flavors are both complex and approachable. It’s both fruit-forward and full of more tertiary, savory flavors, which really makes it a crowd-pleaser. The inviting notes of vanilla and nutmeg on the nose are the first indications signaling that you’re in for a treat.
At first sip, those notes of baking spices complement the more dominant taste of black plum and blackberry on the palate. I paired this wine with a lamb dish along with jasmine rice and mixed greens. You may want to jot that down. It was quite remarkable how all the flavors came together beautifully.